Jarilla, Chocola
Jarilla heterophylla

Family: Caricaceae

What it is like

A leafy succulent herb. It grows 1 m tall. It has erect tubers from which it can re-grow. The fruit are 8-10 cm long. They are mottled green and white. They have 4-5 spike like projections. The pith is white with many seeds.

There is only one Jarilla species.

Where it is found

A tropical plant. It grows between 240-1,000 m above sea level.

Countries/locations it is found in

Central America, Guatemala, Mexico, North America

How it is used for food

The fruit are eaten raw and also cooked. They are used for making preserves. The root tubers are baked in hot ashes and eaten.

The fruit are sold in local markets.

Edible parts

Fruit, root

How it is grown

Its other names

Local names

Chocola, Kapiah, Machicua, Machicuqa

Synonyms

Carica caudata Brandegee; Jarilla caudata (Brandegee) Standl.; Jarilla chocola Standl.; Jarilla heterophylla (Cerv. ex La Llave) I. M. Johnst.; Jarilla sesseana (Ramirez) Rusby; Mocinna heterophylla Cerv. ex La Llave; Papaya nana (Benth.) A. DC.